In 1982, Robert Hazard and the Heroes released their highly anticipated debut record. The self-produced and self-titled five song EP quickly sold over 300,000 copies in the Philadelphia area. Soon thereafter, the record caught the attention of the recording industry and the band was signed to an eight album deal by RCA. RCA released a remixed version of the EP nationally and Rolling Stone magazine gave the record four stars.
In late 1982, Robert Hazard removed The Heroes from the marquee and replaced two of The Heroes, John Lilley and Rob Miller with new band members. The band's new line-up performed "Change Reaction" and "Escalator of Life" on Dick Clark's American Bandstand TV show. Around this time, Cyndi Lauper recorded the '80's anthem "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". (See VH1 VJ talk about the song.) Her version was a huge hit, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard charts in 1984.
In 1984, Robert Hazard released his highly anticipated first full length album - "Wing of Fire." This album was intended to expand musically upon the song material that he had been playing live for the past few years. However, the production of the record suffered due to too much involvement from RCA management. Regardless, the record received an impressive advance order of 89,000 copies. Unfortunately, the record promotion was hampered by management changes at RCA, and sales stalled.
In 1986, Robert Hazard released another self-produced record titled "Darling." He named his revamped band the New Heroes.
[1991 Reunion]
In 1991, Robert Hazard and the Heroes reunited for a 10 year reunion concert at the now defunct Chestnut Cabaret on 38th Street in Philadelphia.
In 1998, Robert Hazard released the "Howl" CD, and began performing in the Philadelphia area with his new band, The Hombres.
In July 2002, Robert Hazard released a limited edition compilation CD, titled "Out of the Blue", that featured classic Hazard songs from the eighties. In the summer of 2003, after a five year hiatus, he returned to the studio and recorded "The Seventh Lake" CD which was produced by the T-Bone Wolk. In 2004, Robert Hazard recorded and released the "Blue Mountain" CD.
Robert Hazard died unexpectedly August 5, 2008 at age 59 after surgery for pancreatic cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Out of the Blue
Robert Hazard Lyrics
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You're all alone now, you got to make your choice
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue, back to nowhere
We got a chance now, times will be changin' fast
Open your eyes, let's show 'em our better half
You were on top, yeah, you were the golden boy
But when you went down nobody made a noise
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue
Yo-oh out of the blue yo-oh out of the blue
Yo-oh out of the blue... back to nowhere
Get 'em up boys!
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue
Yo-oh out of the blue, back to nowhere
Hudson and Ford they never steered you wrong
Gilbert and Sullivan sold you another song
You want to win, you got to play their games
'Cause when you go, kid, you're gonna walk, just like you came
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue
Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh!
The lyrics to Robert Hazard's song "Out of the Blue" speak about making choices and taking chances, particularly in the face of changing times. The song opens with a call to action for the "trouble boys" on the street, emphasizing that everyone is ultimately alone and must make their own choices. The chorus then repeats the phrase "out of the blue" several times, suggesting that change can come suddenly and unexpectedly. The lyrics then address the idea of being on top and suddenly falling from grace, with nobody noticing or caring. The song ends with an acknowledgement that success often means playing others' games, but ultimately we all leave life as we entered it.
One interpretation of these lyrics is that they speak to a desire for individuality and authenticity in a world that can be unpredictable and unforgiving. The "trouble boys" are encouraged to think for themselves and make their own choices, even if those choices lead them to unexpected places. The idea that success often means playing others' games suggests a certain weariness with the system, but also a recognition that sometimes we have to play by certain rules in order to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
Out on the street, all of you trouble boys
You are all out on the street, known for causing trouble
You're all alone now, you got to make your choice
You are alone and must choose your own path
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue
Unexpectedly, seemingly coming from nowhere
Yo-oh out of the blue, yo-oh out of the blue, back to nowhere
Suddenly and unexpectedly, things have returned to their previous nothingness
We got a chance now, times will be changin' fast
We have a chance to change and things will change quickly
Open your eyes, let's show 'em our better half
We need to be more aware and show people our better qualities
You were on top, yeah, you were the golden boy
You were successful and popular, like a golden boy
But when you went down nobody made a noise
But when you fell out of favor, no one made a sound
Get 'em up boys!
Encouragement to take action
Hudson and Ford they never steered you wrong
Hudson and Ford were trustworthy and always led you in the right direction
Gilbert and Sullivan sold you another song
Gilbert and Sullivan sold you a false idea or dream
You want to win, you got to play their games
To succeed, you have to play by their rules
'Cause when you go, kid, you're gonna walk, just like you came
Because when you leave, you'll leave with nothing, just as you came into this world
Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh! Yo-oh!
Expressing sudden and intense emotion or excitement
Contributed by Nathan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.